ZirKuh
Zirkuläre Rinderhaltungssysteme Hessen zur Stärkung der regionalen Wertschöpfungsketten von Milch und Fleisch
Circular cattle farming systems in Hesse to strengthen regional value chains for milk and beef (ZirKUH)
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Challenges
In livestock farming there is a demand for innovative systems and practicable solutions that combine the requirements of sufficient animal products, economic viability, while at the same time, protecting resources and the environment, as well as supporting animal welfare. Circular livestock farming systems offer great potential for combining these requirements, as both ecological and socio-economic benefits can be exploited to a greater extent. It is based on the principles of the circular economy. However, it extends these by considering different areas of impact with their direct and indirect effects (e.g. energy recovery, material recycling or prevention of land competition).
Planned innovation & aims
The project will systematically develop the research field of "circular livestock farming systems", first with focus on cattle farming systems in Hesse. An overall aim is to strengthen the regional value chains for milk and beef.
With the establishment of the ZirKUH-network in the participatory living lap approach, important preliminary work is prepared for the Innovation Centre for Agricultural System Transformation (IAT).
Implementation
Based on status-quo data analysis, life cycle assessment, and sustainable performance accounting, circularity options and optimization potentials are derived, and practicable circular cattle farming approaches are made available for practical application.
Hauptverantwortliche (Lead Partner)
Justus Liebig Universität Gießen,
Professorship of Landscape, Water and Biogeochemical Cycles
Prof. Lutz Breuer
Dr. Stefanie Reith
Johannes Zeidler
Professur für Ökologischen Landbau
Prof. Dr. Andreas Gattinger
Associated Partner:
ZALF, LLH, KTBL, Upländer Bauernmolkerei, Regionalwert Impuls GmbH
Laufzeit des Projektes
January 2024 - December 2026
Finanzierung
Ökoaktionsplan Hessen / Hessisches Ministerium für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt, Weinbau, Forsten, Jagd und Heimat